Pharma sector helps UK manufacturing grow at its fastest pace in four years

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published new data that indicates a strong performance from the pharmaceuticals sector helped UK manufacturing output grow at the fastest pace in nearly four years

The figures, contained in April 2016's UK index of production, show that overall UK manufacturing output grew by 2.3% in April, the biggest monthly rise since July 2012, and according to ONS, the wider measure of industrial output increased by 2.0%, also the biggest rise since July 2012.

The data showed that largest contribution to the increase in manufacturing came from the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations, which increased by 8.6% month on month, the largest rise since February 2014.

"Anecdotal evidence suggested increased exports were the main contributing factor to the rise" in the pharmaceutical sector, the ONS said.

Responding to this news, Virginia Acha, executive director – research, medical and innovation at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said: “After a period of general decline, today’s figures are the first sign of a welcome resurgence for UK medicines manufacturing and are an optimistic bellwether for the health and wealth of the UK economy.

“They indicate that our British businesses are not only at the forefront of investing in research and innovation for UK plc, but also deliver jobs and drive productivity.

‘Through initiatives such as the Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership , we must continue to build on this momentum and work hand-in-hand with industry, Government, and regulators to promote this strength and increase investment.

“Only then will we ensure the UK remains a key player in global medicines manufacturing. This will not only be of benefit to our economy - but UK patients will also reap the rewards from better access to innovative medicines and technologies.”